Disposable Beauty Tools for Use After Applying Mascara

ABSTRACT

Exemplary embodiments are disclosed of disposable beauty tools for use after applying mascara. In an exemplary embodiment, a disposable beauty tool generally includes cotton (or other suitable material) at one end portion and a mascara comb at the other end portion. Also disclosed are exemplary embodiments of methods for using a disposable beauty tool. In an exemplary embodiment, a method generally includes using a first end portion of a disposable beauty tool to wipe away mascara smudges. The method may also include using a second end portion of the disposable beauty tool to comb and/or separate eyelashes and remove clumps of mascara.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/620,211 filed Apr. 4, 2012. The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to disposable beauty tools for use after applying mascara.

BACKGROUND

This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

Mascara is a cosmetic commonly worn to enhance the eyes. It comes in a wide variety of colors, shades, etc.

SUMMARY

This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are disclosed of disposable beauty tools for use after applying mascara. In an exemplary embodiment, a disposable beauty tool generally includes cotton (or other suitable material) at one end and a mascara comb at the other end.

Also disclosed are exemplary embodiments of methods for using a disposable beauty tool. In an exemplary embodiment, a method generally includes using a first end portion of a disposable beauty tool to wipe away mascara smudges. The method may also include using a second end portion of the disposable beauty tool to comb and/or separate eyelashes. By way of example, cotton at a first end portion of a disposable beauty tool may be used to wipe away mascara smudges around the eyes and/or upper eyelids. A comb at a second end portion of the disposable beauty tool may be used to comb the eyelashes before or after the mascara dries to thereby separate the eyelashes and/or get rid of mascara clumps.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 illustrates a disposable beauty tool according to an exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 2 illustrates a disposable beauty tool according to another exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a disposable beauty tool embodying one or more aspects of the present disclosure. As shown, the disposable beauty tool includes cotton (e.g., a cotton tip or swab, etc.) on one end of a handle (e.g., rod, round or flat shaft, etc.). A mascara comb is on the other opposite end of the handle.

It should be noted that the exemplary dimensions, materials, and overall configuration of the disposable beauty tool shown in FIG. 1 is provided for purposes of illustration. In other exemplary embodiments, the disposable beauty tool may be configured differently than what is shown in FIG. 1, such as larger, smaller, longer, shorter, shaped differently (e.g., curved, etc.), formed from different materials other than plastic and/or cotton (e.g., biodegradable materials, etc.), have differently configured tines, and/or more or less than twelve tines, etc. For example, another exemplary embodiment of a disposable beauty tool is shown in FIG. 2 and described hereinafter that is configured differently than the disposable beauty tool shown in FIG. 1.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, the disposable beauty tool includes a small wad of cotton around a first end portion of the handle. The handle may comprise a hollow or solid rod or shaft having a round or circular cross section or non-circular cross section (e.g., rectangular, oval-shaped, flat, etc.). As shown in FIG. 1, the example handle is a hollow plastic shaft having generally straight sidewalls and curved or arcuate upper and lower walls with a height and width dimension of ⅛ or 0.125 inches. Alternative embodiments may include a handle that is a plastic round and/or flat shaft that is bigger or smaller. The handle may be made out of a wide range of materials, such as wood, rolled paper, plastic, biodegradable materials, etc. The handle may also be provided in a wide variety of colors, such as blue, red, yellow, pink, etc. Alternative embodiments may include other suitable shapes, sizes, and/or other suitable materials for the handle.

The cotton or other suitable material at the first end portion of the handle may also be provided in various colors though the cotton would typically be white. Alternative embodiments may include other suitable shapes (e.g., round, cone, swab, etc.) and/or other suitable materials besides cotton at the first end portion of the beauty tool. For example, other suitable materials or means (e.g., fabrics, foams, sponges, relatively soft and/or absorbent materials, etc.) may be used that would allow a user to wipe away mascara smudges around the user's eyes and/or upper eyelids without scratching or otherwise irritating the user's skin. Also by way of example, the first end portion of the beauty tool may be treated with an eye make-up remover, Vaseline petroleum jelly, among other suitable materials. Other exemplary embodiments may include other means for wiping away mascara smudges (e.g., a sponge, fabric, or foam, etc.) attached to or otherwise formed at the first end portion of the beauty tool.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, the mascara comb is located at a second end portion of the handle opposite the cotton wad at the first end portion of the handle. The mascara comb has a plurality of tines and may be provided in different shapes or sizes. In this example shown in FIG. 1, the mascara comb includes twelve tines that are each equally sized, e.g., with the same diameter or length of 1/32 or 0.03125 inches in FIG. 1, etc. This dimension as are all dimensions disclosed herein and shown in the drawings are examples only as other exemplary embodiments of a disposable beauty tool may be sized differently with one or more portions larger or smaller than the dimensions shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

In addition, other exemplary embodiments include a mascara comb having a different configuration (e.g., more or less than twelve tines, differently shaped, different sizes, etc.) such as tines that are not equally sized. For example, there could be twelve tines on either side of the shaft as shown or just a single row of tines. Also by way of example, FIG. 2 illustrates a disposable beauty tool that has twelve tines that reduce or taper down in diameter such that the mascara comb tapers down in size with the narrowest part farthest from the handle. In some embodiments, the tines of the mascara comb may gradually taper or narrow in size so as to provide the mascara comb with a point or pointed end portion. In such embodiments, the pointed end portion of the mascara comb may be usable for separating eyelashes that are stuck together. In other exemplary embodiments, the tines may be configured such that the end portion of the mascara comb is rounded off, blunt, square, etc. instead of being a pointed end portion.

The mascara comb may be provided in a variety of colors and/or be made from a variety of materials. In an exemplary embodiment, the handle and mascara comb are made from molded plastic (e.g., injection molded, etc.). The tines may be integrally formed with or attached to a shaft portion narrower than the rest of the shaft. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the tines extend outwardly from a shaft portion having a diameter or width of 1/16 or 0.0625 inches, which is narrower than the ⅛ or 0.125 inch diameter or width of the other shaft portion. The cotton wad (or other suitable material) is attached (e.g., adhesively attached or bonded, removably attached, etc.) to the molded plastic handle. Alternative embodiments may be made from other materials and/or via other manufacturing processes.

FIG. 2 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a disposable beauty tool embodying one or more aspects of the present disclosure. Although the first and second exemplary embodiments have features in common and may be used similarly, the disposable beauty tool of the second exemplary embodiment is configured differently and not identical to the first exemplary embodiment. In the second exemplary embodiment, the disposable beauty tool includes tines tapering or gradually decreasing in size such that the diameters of the tines progressively decrease from the first, innermost, and largest tine to the twelfth, last, outermost, and smallest tine. Accordingly, the mascara comb in this second embodiment thus includes a plurality of tines extending outwardly from the second end portion of the handle where the tines taper in size from the innermost tine to the outermost tine, which is located at an outermost end portion of the mascara comb. The handle in the second exemplary embodiment comprises a shaft having points or pointed end portions at both ends. By comparison, the first exemplary embodiment of the disposable beauty tool shown in FIG. 1 has tines that do not taper or change in size such that the diameter of each tine is the same or remains constant. In addition, the handle of the first exemplary embodiment comprises a shaft having one pointed end portion at or along which the tines are located, while the shaft's opposite end portion is squared, blunt, or flat where the cotton swab is located.

Preferably, the disposable beauty tool is made of materials and/or manufacturing processes at a reasonably low cost such that the disposable beauty tool may be used one time and discarded. For example, a user may obtain a package of beauty tools (e.g., 30 in a single pack, 30 individually packaged beauty tools in a larger container, etc.) with the intention of using each only one time. But this is not required for all embodiments, as other exemplary embodiments may be configured and/or intended for multiple uses.

An example method in which a beauty tool (e.g., disposable beauty tool shown in FIG. 1 or 2, etc.) may be used will now be described. In this example, mascara may first be applied to the lower eyelashes. Then, a cotton swab (or other suitable material) at a first end portion of the beauty tool may be used to wipe away smudges around the eyes. Mascara may be applied to the upper eyelashes. The cotton swab may be used again, if necessary, to wipe away smudges. A mascara comb at a second end portion of the beauty tool may be used to comb the eyelashes before or after the mascara dries to thereby separate the eyelashes and get rid of mascara clumps. In those exemplary embodiments in which the mascara comb has a pointed end portion, the user may use the pointed end portion of the comb to separate eyelashes that are stuck together.

It should be noted that although various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are described with reference to mascara, the inventor's exemplary embodiments may be used for other purposes besides mascara (e.g., combing eyebrows, beards, mustaches, etc.). In addition, various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are referred to as being disposable or intended for one-time use. But this is not required for all embodiments, as exemplary embodiments may be configured and/or intended for multiple uses. For example, an exemplary embodiment may include a removable cotton swab portion that allows the user to exchange a used cotton swab for a new one after each use.

Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms (e.g., different materials may be used, etc.) and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail. In addition, advantages and improvements that may be achieved with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are provided for purposes of illustration only and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure, as exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may provide all or none of the above mentioned advantages and improvements and still fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Specific dimensions, specific materials, and/or specific shapes disclosed herein are example in nature and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. The disclosure herein of particular values and particular ranges of values for given parameters are not exclusive of other values and ranges of values that may be useful in one or more of the examples disclosed herein. Moreover, it is envisioned that any two particular values for a specific parameter stated herein may define the endpoints of a range of values that may be suitable for the given parameter (i.e., the disclosure of a first value and a second value for a given parameter can be interpreted as disclosing that any value between the first and second values could also be employed for the given parameter). Similarly, it is envisioned that disclosure of two or more ranges of values for a parameter (whether such ranges are nested, overlapping or distinct) subsume all possible combination of ranges for the value that might be claimed using endpoints of the disclosed ranges.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on”, “engaged to”, “connected to” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to”, “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The term “about” when applied to values indicates that the calculation or the measurement allows some slight imprecision in the value (with some approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If, for some reason, the imprecision provided by “about” is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then “about” as used herein indicates at least variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring or using such parameters. For example, the terms “generally”, “about”, and “substantially” may be used herein to mean within manufacturing tolerances.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements, intended or stated uses, or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A beauty tool comprising: a handle having a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion; cotton at the first end portion; and a mascara comb at the second end portion.
 2. The beauty tool of claim 1, wherein the cotton comprises a cotton swab attached to the first end portion of the handle, whereby the cotton swab is usable for wiping away mascara smudges.
 3. The beauty tool of claim 1, wherein the mascara comb includes a plurality of tines extending outwardly from the second end portion of the handle, whereby the plurality of tines are usable for combing and/or separating eyelashes to eliminate mascara clumps.
 4. The beauty tool of claim 1, wherein the mascara comb includes a plurality of equally sized tines extending outwardly from the second end portion of the handle.
 5. The beauty tool of claim 1, wherein the mascara comb includes a plurality of tines extending outwardly from the second end portion of the handle and that taper in size from an innermost tine to an outermost tine.
 6. The beauty tool of claim 5, wherein the mascara comb has a pointed end portion as a result of the tapering in size of the tines.
 7. The beauty tool of claim 1, wherein: the mascara comb includes a plurality of tines integrally formed with the handle such that the tines extend outwardly from the second end portion of the handle; and the cotton comprises a cotton swab attached to the first end portion of the handle.
 8. The beauty tool of claim 7, wherein: the tines and handle are injection molded plastic; and the cotton swab is adhesively attached to the first end portion of the handle.
 9. The beauty tool of claim 1, wherein the beauty tool is configured to be disposable after a single use.
 10. The beauty tool of claim 1, wherein the cotton comprises a removable cotton swab that is removably attached to the first end portion of the handle, thereby allowing a user to remove and exchange an existing cotton ball with a new cotton swab.
 11. The beauty tool of claim 1, wherein the handle comprises a solid shaft or a hollow shaft having generally straight sidewalls and curved upper and lower walls.
 12. A disposable beauty tool for use after applying mascara, the disposable beauty tool comprising a handle having a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion, the first end portion including means for wiping away mascara smudges, and the second end portion including means for combing and/or separating eyelashes.
 13. The disposable beauty tool of claim 12, wherein the means for combing and/or separating eyelashes comprises a mascara comb at the second end portion of the handle.
 14. The disposable beauty tool of claim 12, wherein the means for wiping away mascara smudges comprises a cotton swab at the first end portion of the handle.
 15. The disposable beauty tool of claim 12, wherein the means for combing and/or separating eyelashes comprises a plurality of tines extending outwardly from the second end portion of the handle.
 16. The disposable beauty tool of claim 12, wherein: the means for wiping away mascara smudges comprises a cotton swab at the first end portion of the handle; and the means for combing and/or separating eyelashes comprises a plurality of tines extending outwardly from the second end portion of the handle.
 17. The disposable beauty tool of claim 16, wherein the handle comprises a hollow shaft having generally straight sidewalls and curved upper and lower walls.
 18. A method comprising: using a first end portion of a disposable beauty tool to wipe away mascara smudges; and using a second end portion of the disposable beauty tool to comb and/or separate eyelashes.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein: using a first end portion of the disposable beauty tool includes using a cotton swab at the first end portion to wipe away the mascara smudges around one or more eyes and/or upper eyelids; and/or using a second end portion of disposable beauty tool includes using a comb at the second end portion to comb the eyelashes to thereby separate the eyelashes and get rid of mascara clumps.
 20. The method of claim 18, further comprising using a pointed end of the comb to separate eyelashes that are stuck together. 